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Speaking ahead of this weekends Tullamore Show, a renowned agricultural show which attracts 64,000 visitors on average every year, Sinn Fein Rural Affairs spokesperson Carol Nolan has expressed concern over the lack of consideration given to Rural communities.

Deputy Nolan has called on the government to enact the Rural Equality Bill which was introduced in the Dail by Sinn Fein recently.

Teacha Nolan said;

“The aim of this bill is to ensure that all public bodies and agencies consider the impact of proposed measures or policies on Rural Ireland prior to their implementation.

“In the past, we have seen too many policies and measures implemented that did not reflect the realities or needs of rural communities.

“It is evident that rural communities the length and breadth of this state have been abandoned, disadvantaged and treated as second class by successive governments that lacked vision, political will and who have all shown contempt for Rural Ireland.”

Deputy Nolan stated that this was unacceptable and called on the government to commit to ensuring that citizens in rural communities are treated fairly and that they have access to basic, vital services such as post offices and banks.

“We also need a stronger Garda presence in communities in order to combat the scourge of rural crime and vital infrastructure such as broadband and roads must be improved in order to aid the prospects of much needed job creation which would rejuvenate the local economy of our towns and villages throughout rural Ireland.

“This government must step up to the mark and deliver for rural Ireland. We don't need any more empty, token gestures - we need action.”